Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) is an upright, dense deciduous shrub with white to yellow flowers and dark red berries. It is one of several honeysuckles commonly referred to as “bush honeysuckles” that were introduced from Asia and western Europe. The bush honeysuckles are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Spread of these species is mainly by seed dispersal provided by birds who eat the berries. Seeds remain viable for 2 years and tend to germinate best in areas that have minimal herbaceous cover.
Management Options:
A. Hand Pulling:
Seedlings can be removed by hand, particularly if done in early spring or late fall when other plants are dormant but honeysuckles have leaves to mark their seedlings. Care should be taken to minimize soil disturbance to prevent re-invasion.
B. Cutting:
Cutting of mature plants is not an effective means of control because re-sprouting will occur. However it may temporarily reduce seed sources. If done in combination with seedling removal, population spread can be controlled.
C. Grubbing:
This method is appropriate for colonizing populations or plants in environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. A digging tool may be used to remove the entire plant, including all roots. Any portions of the root system not removed will potentially re-sprout. All plant parts, including fruits, should be bagged and removed from the site to prevent reestablishment.
D. Herbicides:
Spray bush honeysuckles with glyphosate or triclopyr in late summer to mid fall. Cut-stump treatments with glyphosate or triclopyr are effective throughout the year except early spring.
ROUNDUP [glyphosate (41%)]:
Foliar spray: 2 fl. oz./gal
Cut-stump treatment: Diluted with equal part water (1:1)
BRUSH-B-GON [triclopyr (8%)]:
Foliar spray: 4 fl. oz./gal
Cut-stump treatment: Undiluted
References
Converse, C.K. 1984. Element Stewardship Abstract for Lonicera spp. Bushy Honeysuckles. The Nature Conservancy.
Tennessee Exotic Plant Management Manual, April 1997.